Thomas E. Dernoga was reelected to a four-year term on the Prince George's County Council in the November 2022 General Election and represents Councilmanic District 1. Council Member Dernoga served as the District 1 Council Member from January 2002 through 2010, first winning a Special Election to replace the late Councilman Walter H. "Mike" Maloney and reelected to serve two consecutive four-year terms on the Council. He was elected by his colleagues to serve as Chair of the County Council in Legislative Year 2006 and again in Legislative Year 2010. Council Member Dernoga's tenure on the Council has been noted for his leadership on environmental, historical and agricultural preservation issues, and smart growth. A long-time civic and environmental activist attorney in the County, he provided low-cost legal services to activists to enable them to defend their communities against special interests and political forces. Council Member Dernoga has considerable experience navigating several high-profile public policy and land use issues in the County-as a private attorney, his advocacy helped to stop an NFL stadium in Laurel, halted a strip mall in West Laurel, saved the Belt Woods old growth forest near Bowie and saved the popular Gunpowder Golf Course from development. He also provided pro bono legal services to the 1992 Term Limit and Homestead Property Tax Charter Amendment committees. Council Member Dernoga is a lifelong resident of Central Maryland. Lenora and Tom Dernoga have lived in Laurel since 1981. Their two children, Matthew and Danielle, attended County schools and are now successful young adults. Council Member Dernoga has been active in many community organizations, including President of the West Laurel Civic Association, President of the Friends of the Library, and serving on the boards of directors of the Senior Friendship Club, Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services, Inc., the Laurel Historical Society, and the Prince George's Sierra Club.